§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what consultations he has had with area and regional health authorities about the management of consultants' waiting lists;
(2) what consultations he has had with representatives of medical staffs about the management of in-patient hospital waiting lists;
(3) what consultations he has had with area and regional health authorities about the management of in-patient hospital waiting lists;
839W(4) what consultations he has had with representatives of medical staffs about the management of consultants' waiting lists.
§ Mr. MoyleDuring 1976, health authorities, with the help of their medical staffs, have been reviewing waiting list management; and in my further consideration of these problems at national level, and with a view to giving any further guidance that may be helpful, I expect to have discussions during this year with national representatives of medical staffs, and with health authorities.
§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what progress has been made in establishing selected waiting lists for exchange between hospitals to effect the transfer of patients to hospitals with shorter waiting times, as recommended in Circular HSC(15)181, 1975;
(2) what progress has been made in implementing the recommendation of Circular HSC(15)181, 1975 on the use of common waiting lists of patients awaiting appointments with consultants;
(3) what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of Circular HSC(15)181, 1975 in reference to measuring shortfall of resources;
(4) what progress has been made in implementing the recommendation of Circular HSC(15)181 1975, that centralised admissions departments should be created in groups of hospitals as a measure to reduce waiting lists for admission.
§ Mr. MoyleThe circular referred to by my hon. Friend calls on area health authorities to send to regional health authorities reports on their reviews of arrangements for the management of waiting lists. My Department has recently received and is studying regional summaries of these reports which cover, in general terms, the points raised by my hon. Friend together with other aspects. When the Department's study of these reports has been completed, I shall consider with interested bodies the best way to make further progress.